Judge blocks Trump's transgender military ban
A federal judge has temporarily halted Donald Trump's order banning transgender individuals from military service. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 soldiers and recruits who challenged the U.S. President's policy.
What do you need to know?
- Judge Ana Reyes from Washington has blocked Trump's decree, ruling that it may breach the constitutional prohibition on sex discrimination.
- The lawsuit was filed by 20 individuals opposing the policy banning transgender military service.
- The Trump administration argued that a gender identity not aligning with biological sex conflicts with the duties of a soldier.
Appointed by President Joe Biden, federal judge Ana Reyes from Washington ruled that Donald Trump's executive order dated 27th January, regarding the rights of transgender people, likely violates the constitutional ban on discrimination based on sex.
The military banned and began discharging transgender individuals from service
The Trump administration argued that adopting a gender identity inconsistent with biological sex conflicts with a soldier's commitment to an honourable and disciplined lifestyle. During proceedings in March, administration lawyers contended that the military has the right to prohibit and discharge individuals with certain conditions that render them unfit for duty. They argued that the judge should trust the Trump administration's assessment.
Judge Reyes, however, repeatedly pressed the administration's representatives for evidence to support their position.
In the opinion of the plaintiffs — 20 U.S. soldiers and individuals intending to join the military — Trump's mandate is unlawful. They cited a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that recognised employment discrimination against transgender individuals as a form of illegal sex discrimination.
According to Department of Defense data, the U.S. armed forces comprise about 1.3 million active-duty soldiers. Transgender rights advocates estimate that as many as 15,000 transgender individuals serve in the military, while the administration estimates this number at only a few thousand. The court's decision is a significant step towards protecting the rights of transgender individuals in the U.S. armed forces.
